The Public Works Department works to ensure that the policies of the City Commission as conveyed by the City Manager are carried out in an efficient and effective manner. Activities and progress of the various divisions are reviewed throughout the year to ensure use of current methods and technologies, and adequate progress to meeting established goals. The department develops short term and long term plans to maintain, improve and expand the city's infrastructure.

The Director, Deputy Director and Senior Engineering Technician all work extensively with other governments (e.g. Leavenworth County, City of Lansing, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas Department of Transportation) in an effort to minimize disruption to the public from the many construction activities in Leavenworth.